John A. Chlpka, 86, of Hermitage, passed away Tuesday morning, August 12, 2025, in St. Paul's Senior Living Community, Greenville.

Mr. Chlpka was born on August 21, 1938, in Sharon, a son of the late John and Helen (Noga) Chlpka. He was a 1956 graduate of Hickory High School and attended Michigan State University for three years, until his father became very ill and he returned home.

John was a longtime mason, working through the cement mason local union #526, working on many highways and bridges in the area. Additionally, he was an instructor in the PA Brick Layers Association. He served 15 years on the Mercer County Building Trades Council.

On June 27, 1959, he married his wife, the former Shirley Hassel, and together had three children. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and wanted them to enjoy all they could in life.

John was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermitage.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved going to his camp in Marienville, PA, and hunting, fishing and four-wheeling with his brothers.
John was the co-founder and sponsor of the Shenango Valley Jamboree. He never passed up an opportunity to help someone with a project and was willing to give everyone the shirt off of his back.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Jody Chlpka, of Hermitage; a son, Alan Chlpka and his wife Michelle, of Hermitage; three grandchildren, Adam Chlpka, Kayli Howard and her husband, Anthony, and Sarah Chlpka; and a brother, Joe Chlpka and his wife, Beverly, of Transfer.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Chlpka.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Paul's for the wonderful care given to John over the last year.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (08/14/2025) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be at noon, Friday (08/15/2025) in the funeral home, with Rev. Dennis Blauser, officiating.

Interment: Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Hermitage.